Healthy pregnancy
I can name some substances that can pass through the placenta and explain the effects they have on a developing foetus.
Healthy pregnancy
I can name some substances that can pass through the placenta and explain the effects they have on a developing foetus.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Some substances can pass through the placenta including some drugs, alcohol and chemicals in cigarette smoke.
- This can affect the growth of the foetus.
- Short term consequences can include miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight.
- Long term consequences can include addiction, sudden infant death and foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Keywords
Placenta - The placenta is an organ that is attached to the uterus wall; it provides the foetus with oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood.
Foetus - The foetus is the stage of human development between an embryo (at around 8 weeks) up to when the baby is born.
Alcohol - Alcohol is a depressant drug present in alcoholic drinks. It slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body.
Drugs - Drugs are substances that, when taken in, have an effect on the body.
Common misconception
Thinking that the lifestyle choices of a pregnant mother, including recreational use of drugs such as alcohol and nicotine, will not affect the foetus.
The lesson explores short-term and long-term effects that lifestyle choices of a pregnant mother, including recreational use of drugs such as alcohol and nicotine, can have on the developing foetus.
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Healthy pregnancy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Healthy pregnancy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Reproduction in humans unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
